Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Enchanted April....Dare I dream?

A few weeks ago I posted a pork tenderloin roast recipe and I have another one in my repertoire...
This one has an asian tangy taste and while I LOVE it Mr. HB is not as enamoured with the flavours...not sure why, but we all have our favourites.


So here it is if you would like to try it...
cook and baste the tenderloin about an hour at 350 degrees.
If you try it and like it please leave me a  comment.


My favourite bridge player Meg at the club has had a serious fall...
she is 94 and she broke both her hip and her arm
her mind is a sharp as a tack and we are missing her so much.
She is in rehab and we are planning to go to the hospital
and play some cards as soon as she is able.

I am hoping that she will recover from her injuries.
Her bidding and advice on bridge is so valuable...
she has been playing bridge since she was a teenager 
she encourages us when we are bidding our hands and nudges us to bid game.


I always wear my wedding rings...
one notices hands when seated at the bridge table.
My hands have been dry of late and so I have made a point to keep the hand lotion by the sink to remind myself to use it.


This vintage art deco diamond does not get as much wear as it should.

I don't own a lot of jewelry...
unlike darling daughter, 
who has oodles and oodles of the stuff!

She works hard to find the most amazing pieces...
AND 
she has a full time job!

I have very few pieces of "costume" jewelry and opt for real gemstones.
Sterling silver bangles, pearls, vintage, ethnic, and modern artisan jewelry.
One need not break the budget when choosing a new piece,
 there are so many gorgeous jewels on Etsy and Ebay and in antique shops.

At my age I wonder if I should acquire more gems or save for holidays abroad?

Recently I met up with a friend for lunch.
 We both LOVE France and have fond memories of our trips to Paris 
we got to talking in between bites of our salads
and mentioned that we should arrange to have our own 
"Enchanted April" 
 perhaps Provence would be our destination...

Can you imagine a group of women sharing a home in Provence?
Savouring the countryside for a month?
I can!
 I am dreaming about this possibility.

So with that in mind I am off to find more local French language classes...

BTW
if you know of anyone who has a home to rent in Provence or has rented one that they enjoyed please email me bungalowhostess@gmail.com
merci beaucoup!

 ~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely go for the holiday. You have enough jewellery. Sounds like you're already thinking along those lines. Haven't tried your pork recipe but it sounds delicious. Eleanor

thepoutingpensioner said...

Have you thought about a house swap, Leslie? I've done a few, all really successful, including one in Provence.

Kristien62 said...

Will definitely try the pork. Tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts of meat. Will leave you a note when I get home and try it.

I agree with Anonymous. Take the holiday. When we reach the end of our stay on earth, will we say, "I wish I had gone to Provence," or, "I wish I had bought that ring." Experience trumps things. Visit Provence.

Jeannine said...

I am sorry to hear about your friend - I do hope she recovers all. Thank you for what looks like another great recipe. Your possible trip to Provence sounds lovely - what a wonderful thing to look forward to and plan for.

Madame Là-bas said...

I am sorry to hear about your bridge friend. I love cooking pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables and will try your recipe. I rented houses with a woman friend in Provence and in the Loire Valley. It was great but a consideration is that you will need a car rental and someone who is willing to drive. Both of my rentals were from the BC Teacher classified section. I met the owners here and paid in Canadian dollars.

LPC said...

You loved France so much, I hope you do go back.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I agree...a new ring can hardly compete with a month in the South of France!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh we could not consider a house swap as my husband is working at his architectural firm and we have two very pampered cats!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I hope that when my time comes that I have very few regrets.
At my age, collecting memories is the most valuable of gems.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We are all hoping and praying that Meg will recover...she is a spunky woman who is quite independent and we suspect that she will need to relinquish some of her independence if and when she gets back to her home.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I would love for you to email me with that information as both my friend and I worked for school district 61...I am willing to drive if I have a navigator or a decent GPS!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It will take me awhile to save up for this kind of trip...but I was motivated last time so there is no reason that I cannot put my mind to it.
Our heritage home has cost us a lot of money this past year and we have a few big things that we need to address next year...

Memee said...

I totally recommend the fabulous home in Provence called La Saga in the village of Pernes les Fountaines. We stayed there this July and loved every minute. The vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigordas, and Beaumes de Venise are only a few miles away. Plus you are close to so many wonderful places in Provence. Should I mention the fabulous bakery a block away? Check out the website and the You Tube video of La Saga.

Stephen Andrew said...

Do the trip! I've thought that's the way I'd do a Provence trip. You need to be able to go to the market and buy ingredients and then cook!

Memee said...

I totally recommend the fabulous home in Provence called La Saga in the village of Pernes les Fountaines. We stayed there this July and loved every minute. The vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigordas, and Beaumes de Venise are only a few miles away. Plus you are close to so many wonderful places in Provence. Should I mention the fabulous bakery a block away? Check out the website and the You Tube video of La Saga.

twix said...

It's unanimous!!! All of us believe the trip far out ways a new piece of jewelry. If you need another District 61 retiree to round out the group, let me know. I'm even willing to do the driving! xoxo

Coulda shoulda woulda said...

Holiday wins!!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

A month in France how wonderful!

Adele said...

I don't know what I would find more Enchanting: going to France for a month, or having a friend with whom you are close and would won't to spend a month :~)! Both sound equally lovely.

Anonymous said...

Yes,you do (dare dreaming :-))!
One vote more for the trip-it would be ab fab!
Dottoressa

Pondside said...

Oh yes - do it! There is nothing at all that is impossible if you really want it and are willing to do what you must. Life is short - make your dreams come true!

Gwoman said...

Choose travel, always! While I enjoy bright, shiny things, the memories of a month somewhere other than home are more precious and priceless. Last year, it was a month in Italy. We are off next week for six weeks in Spain. So excited and looking forward to living there, not just visiting. We use Airbnb to book our long stay apartments. It has worked out very well for us. They have places ranging from the very simple to the very elaborate as well as reviews from people who have stayed there. Hope you find a wonderful place and enjoy your trip!

La Contessa said...

IF YOU ARE LACKING in PARTICIPANTS.........give me a HOLLER!
I COOK better then I CLEAN!

Marilyn said...

No question it has to be Provence but you will need a car. We have many happy memories of Provencal holidays. Go for it. We would if finances and husband's health allowed it. Worth saving for.

Marilyn said...

No question it has to be Provence but you will need a car. We have many happy memories of Provencal holidays. Go for it. We would if finances and husband's health allowed it. Worth saving for.

ElaineD said...

Lesley do you follow this blog ? http://lostinarles.blogspot.co.uk/

kristieinbc said...

My vote would be for travel over jewelry any day! I haven't tried your previous pork recipe yet, but plan to next week when family are here. The new recipe looks yummy too. I'm sorry your bridge friend had such a nasty fall. I'm sure she will be thrilled if some of you show up to play a few hands and nice she feels up to it.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Will do that tonight Memee...thank you so much!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I love to cook. Buying local and fresh is exactly what I want to do!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Will keep you in the loop TWIX...it will depend on how big the house is that we rent and when we can go!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds like its a no brainer!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The stuff of dreams...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I went to camp for many years and I have worked in schools where I have encountered a diverse group of professionals all with different ideas and teaching styles...I was on a tour in Paris with 10 women that I had never met and had a fabulous time.
I love having women friends from all walks of life and honestly my friends are lovely and gracious so I cannot for see any problems.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you! It sounds like the trip wins!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

All I need to do now is brush up on my French and get serious about saving...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Have a lovely holiday! I ilke the sounds of your lifestyle!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Will definitely keep you in mind!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I can drive...and a car must be expensive but when sharing the costs it should not be prohibitive.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do indeed...Arles would be a great place to see when we are that close...Heather is not in France right now but she would be a great resource.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hope you enjoy the pork tenderloin recipes...with the weather getting cooler roast dinners seem to be more appealing.
Take care

No Sacrifice said...

Another vote for the trip; although I'm sure it wasn't much of a toss-up.
You're so lucky having the Royal's so close to your house. I hope they enjoy their time here in Canada.
Your pork recipe is right up my alley.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The children have been out with their nannies and the secret service, unfortunately our paths have not crossed. William and Kate have a jam packed itinerary and will be leaving Saturday.
Hope you enjoy the recipe.

KSL said...

A trip of course over jewelry. I hope you can make it happen. Is your husband not interested in going to France at some point?

Our French Oasis said...

I have just found your blog, how had I not known about it before I ask myself! Of course travel over jewellery, but then I am lucky enough to live in France. So I would quite naturally highly recommend a visit here, we are in the South West rather than the south, maybe you should have split destinations, it is stunning here too!!! Live you dream and big hugs to Meg. Susan x

Unknown said...

Leslie...we are in Provence as I type this. Memories are so much better than things. This is our
sixth time to our favorite part of the world. You seem to love France as much as we do. When a person is following their dreams....they are truly living an authentic life.
We also live in your own beautiful part of the world as you know....but France is special.
I hope your dream comes true.

Ali

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Kathy Mr. HB has no desire to go to France...he wants to visit England and Scotland after he retires.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Welcome Susan, I follow you on IG.
On my last trip to France I spent 2 weeks in Paris and a week with friends in SW France in the wee village of Auvillar....love those quaint villages...Saint Cirq La Popie was enchanting...the scenery is so beautiful! Split destinations might well be an option!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ali...I hope we can chat about Provence...I really would value your opinions and thoughts about the area and where we might stay. Perhaps we can meet up when you return?

Unknown said...

I will bring back a heart shaped pebble for you for luck....
Ali